New to Polk Audio

bvbull200

Hey guys/gals, new to the forum as I just got a set of Polk speakers and wanted to get some opinions. I managed to snag a pair of the RTi12's from Fry's during their $299.99 blowout. I am not new to audio by any means, but not a guru either. I had the chance to listen to them a few times, so I didn't buy them blindly, but I did get them ahead of enough research about complimentary equipment (didn't want to let them all get sold while reading internet comments). Here are a couple of questions that I have. First, I will be powering them with a Denon AVR-3806 for the time being. It is rated at 120w per channel and the front's can be bi-amped. On a scale of 1-10, where does that put me in terms of power for these speakers? I've seen plenty of people running far more juice through separates, and that is part of the plan down the road, but it isn't going to happen right now. Second, I can get a really good deal on a CSi3 center speaker and it is a perfect fit for my current TV stand. Would this be an acceptable center channel for these speakers or is it worth the extra money and akward fitment for something bigger/better? Thanks for the help!

Sherardp

Dont skimp on the center channel go for the better Csi5, as for the Denon AVR, some have biamped off the AVR, though I recommend just running everything off the AVR and then go seperates as soon as finances allow. I bi-amped my Rti12s using monoblocks on the bottom, my AVR on the mids and tweets. You should consider Outlaw Audio Monoblocks which is a great start in going with seperates. Check out the model M2200, www.outlawaudio.com and welcome aboard.

mrbigbluelight

Csi5 on Amazon is $305.39, with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Performance-Channel-Speaker/dp/B0000SY4TA/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1198680620&sr=8-20

cfrizz

Welcome to Club Polk BV.

You have made a great start & have a good plan in place. Get the CSI 5 if at all possible.

When you get around to looking at separate amplification try to get at least 200wpc, and if setting up HT get a multichannel 5-7 amp & be done with it at one time. This much power will drive all your speakers now & in the future with ease & allow them to operate to their full potential.

You will get more bang for your buck getting a used one from Audiogon. Brands to look at are: Outlaw, Parasound, Sunfire, Rotel, Adcom, B & K.

daboyz

Could we just put a sticky for Cathy for this question. I would like to save her from getting carpal tunnel from answering this same question over and over.......It's awesome that she keeps doing it though.

cfrizz

ROTFLMAO!!!!!:D

That is the BEST idea anyone has come up with, THANK YOU!:D

I don't mind helping out newbies, & I'm a fairly patient person. So long as you want to learn, I'll be more than happy to assist you.

Thanks for the compliment!:) Happy New Year as well!

daboyz wrote: »

Could we just put a sticky for Cathy for this question. I would like to save her from getting carpal tunnel from answering this same question over and over.......It's awesome that she keeps doing it though.

Sherardp

daboyz wrote: »

Could we just put a sticky for Cathy for this question. I would like to save her from getting carpal tunnel from answering this same question over and over.......It's awesome that she keeps doing it though.

I was thinking the exact same thing, though copying and paste works well. It seems allot of new members are joining in the last few weeks.

lightman1

Sherardp wrote: »

I was thinking the exact same thing, though copying and paste works well. It seems allot of new members are joining in the last few weeks.

They opened their Christmas presents and said "WOW, I should consult some old farts and see what these can do.";)

zingo

Ya, Christmas is a good time to join the party with the newly acquired gear. Is there a common questions thread, or something like that? It might be a good, time and hair saving idea.

Welcome bvbull 200 and enjoy that fantastic price on those fantastic speakers. Separates do sound the best, but your AVR is no slouch either.

beardog03

Nice gear, great start...

Welcome to Club Polk..

Enjoy your new speaks....I know you will..

when your ready, I suggest a 5 ch amp, such as the Parasound 2205a , or similar.., and use the Denon as a pre/pro....you won`t be disappointed

bvbull200

Thanks guys/gals, for all of the info. I assure you, I did plenty of searching, but it seems that, while there is a clear cut suggestion to go with separates (which will obviously always be better), there is no information on what you really get with a decent AVR, particularly when bi-amped. I found one thread interesting, particularly one post actually, that suggested that people could be frightened away from Polk due to how much people go on about the need for separates. I will look in to some of those other amps that have been suggested. Heck, if I can get a good offer on my Denon, I might trade it out/down for something with HDMI 1.3, and invest in some separates.

wallstreet

Isn't at least 200 WPC overkill for the RTi line? Polk certainly doesn't recommend that much amplification.

daboyz

cfrizz wrote: »

ROTFLMAO!!!!!:D

That is the BEST idea anyone has come up with, THANK YOU!:D

I don't mind helping out newbies, & I'm a fairly patient person. So long as you want to learn, I'll be more than happy to assist you.

Thanks for the compliment!:) Happy New Year as well!

Cathy,you're allright girl!! Calling it as I see it. She gives good advice so pay attention y'all.:)

daboyz

wallstreet wrote: »

Isn't at least 200 WPC overkill for the RTi line? Polk certainly doesn't recommend that much amplification.

I wouldn't call it overkill,the more you got the better. Also, she's trying to future proof you in case you move to Lsi's, etc.